LEINSTER'S injury problems struck even before the plane left Dublin for Manchester on Saturday morning. The selectors' hopes of seeing the international second row of Brian Rigney and Neil Francis operating as a pair were dashed Rigney was at the airport and reported that he was having a problem with an inflamed foot. After medical examination, he did not travel. Danny Casey was brought into the A side as his replacement.

Francis, after twice receiving treatment for a hamstring problem in the early stages of the match, had to go off in the 28th minute. Lineoutt possession was a problem for, Leinster and Francis's replacement, Rory Sherriff, was Ireland's best ball winner in this area.

It was a lively and entertaining affair, despite rather eccentric refereeing by Nigel Yates, who awarded no fewer than 32 penalties and free kicks against Leinster.

But the visitors were deserving winners. They lived with the line-out problem and compensated with some good rucking and mauling. Hooker Mark McDermott, Kevin Spicer and flanker Trevor Brennan were particularly industrious and the Leinster management were especially pleased, too, with the displays of wings David Coleman and Denis Hickie and full-back Girvan Dempsey.

The Sale backs were quick and inventive, with former rugby league player Adam Griffin and David Wright especially dangerous. Joss Baxendell, who played at out-half in the initial period and then in the centre in the second match, was a creative link.

Ireland captain and scrum half Niall Hogan made some good breaks and his partner, Richard Governey contributed 11 points with a conversion and three penalty goals.

Leinster went ahead with a try from Hogan after a good drive by the forwards and Governey converted and then kicked a penalty. A fine break by Baxendell set up a try for O'Grady which Griffin converted to cut the home side's deficit, before Dempsey got Leinster's second try to leave Leinster 15-7 in front. Birt got a try for Sale which was converted by Griffins to leave. just a point in it at the interval.

Leinster had to do some resolute defending but Governey edged them into a seven-point lead with two penalty goals and then Coleman scored a fine try after a good run by Dempsey. That left Leinster 26-14 in front, before Nightingale got a try for the home side.